Tarzan And His Life In The Jungle: Truth or Myth?

The story of Tarzan is one of the most famous tales in popular culture. It’s a story that has been told through books, movies, cartoons, and even stage plays. The basic premise is simple: a young boy is abandoned in the jungle, raised by apes, and eventually becomes the “King of the Jungle.” But how much of this story is based on truth, and how much is pure imagination? Let’s explore the origins of Tarzan, what might be true, and what is likely to be a myth.

The character of Tarzan was created by Edgar Rice Burroughs and first appeared in a 1912 magazine. The story was later published as a book called Tarzan of the Apes. Burroughs was inspired by the adventure stories of his time, which often featured exotic locations and heroic characters. The concept of a man living among animals wasn’t entirely new, but Burroughs added a unique twist by having Tarzan be raised by apes.

Tarzan quickly became a cultural phenomenon, spawning numerous sequels, films, and adaptations. The idea of a human living in the wild, communicating with animals, and swinging through trees captured the imagination of readers and viewers worldwide.

One of the central questions about the Tarzan story is whether it’s possible for a human to be raised by animals and survive. In real life, there have been a few cases of so-called “feral children” – children who were found living in the wild, often with little or no contact with other humans. These children were sometimes raised by animals, though the circumstances were usually tragic, involving abandonment or loss of parents. Here are a few real examples of such children;

1. Victor of Aveyron (France, late 18th century)

Victor, also known as the “Wild Boy of Aveyron,” was discovered in the forests of southern France around 1797. He was believed to be around 12 years old at the time and had lived alone in the wild for several years. Victor was found naked, unable to speak, and exhibiting animal-like behavior. Despite efforts by a French physician, Dr. Jean Marc Gaspard Itard, to teach him language and social skills, Victor never fully integrated into society. His story was one of the first well-documented cases of a feral child.

2. The Wolf Children of Midnapore (India, 1920)

Two young girls, Amala and Kamala, were reportedly found living with a pack of wolves in a forest near Midnapore, India, in 1920. They were discovered by Reverend J.A.L. Singh, who claimed that the girls had been raised by wolves. The girls exhibited many wolf-like behaviors, such as walking on all fours, howling, and eating raw meat. They struggled to adapt to human society, and their story has been met with skepticism by some who believe it may have been exaggerated.

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3. John Ssebunya (Uganda, 1991)

John Ssebunya, also known as the “Monkey Boy,” was found in the jungle of Uganda in 1991. He had run away from home at a very young age after witnessing the murder of his mother by his father. John was found living with a troop of vervet monkeys. When he was discovered, he was covered in hair and dirt, and his behavior was more animal-like than human. After being taken in by a village, John gradually learned to speak and interact with humans. He later became a member of a children’s choir, and his story was documented in a BBC documentary.

4. Oxana Malaya (Ukraine, 1991)

Oxana Malaya was discovered at the age of 8 in Ukraine in 1991. She had been living in a kennel with dogs for about six years after being neglected by her alcoholic parents. Oxana was found to exhibit dog-like behaviors, such as barking, walking on all fours, and eating raw meat. She struggled to adapt to normal human life, but with time and care, she learned to speak and behave more like a human. Oxana’s case highlights the impact of extreme neglect and the importance of early socialization.

5. Genie (USA, 1970)

Genie was not raised by animals, but her case is often compared to those of feral children due to the extreme isolation she endured. She was discovered at the age of 13 in California, having been confined to a small room for most of her life. Genie was severely malnourished, unable to speak, and had limited motor skills. Her case became a subject of intense study by psychologists, who hoped to learn more about language development and the effects of isolation. Despite efforts to help her, Genie never fully recovered and spent much of her life in institutional care.

However, these real-life cases are quite different from the Tarzan story. As seen from the stories shared, feral children often suffer from severe developmental issues. They struggle with language, social interaction, and basic human behavior. Tarzan, on the other hand, is depicted as a strong, intelligent, and articulate man, which is highly unrealistic.

In nature, animals like apes do not have the same social structures as humans. They communicate differently, have different diets, and require different survival skills. A human raised by apes would likely face enormous challenges in adapting to life in the wild. The idea that Tarzan could not only survive but thrive in such an environment is more myth than reality.

Another aspect of the Tarzan story that raises questions is the setting. Tarzan’s jungle is often depicted as a lush, dangerous place filled with wild animals and hidden dangers. While jungles and rainforests do exist and are home to a wide variety of species, the portrayal in Tarzan’s stories is often exaggerated.

Real jungles are incredibly complex ecosystems. They are home to millions of species, many of which are not dangerous to humans. However, surviving in a jungle would be incredibly difficult for a human, especially one without the proper tools, knowledge, and experience. The idea that Tarzan could navigate the jungle so easily, swinging from vine to vine and hunting with ease, is more fiction than fact.

In Tarzan’s story, he is raised by a group of apes called the “Mangani.” These apes are depicted as highly intelligent, almost human-like creatures. In reality, no such species exists. The closest relatives to humans are the great apes, including chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. While these animals are intelligent and capable of using tools, they do not possess the same level of cognitive abilities as humans.

The idea that Tarzan could learn to communicate with apes and even lead them as their king is purely fictional. Apes do have complex social structures, but they are not capable of the kind of advanced thinking and behavior depicted in the Tarzan stories.

Despite the fictional nature of Tarzan’s story, the character has had a significant impact on popular culture. Tarzan has become a symbol of the “noble savage” – the idea that humans are at their best when they are close to nature and free from the corrupting influence of civilization. This concept has been explored in various ways in literature, film, and art.

Tarzan’s story also reflects early 20th-century attitudes toward colonialism, race, and the natural world. The character’s ability to dominate the jungle and its inhabitants can be seen as a reflection of colonial ideas of superiority and control. Modern interpretations of Tarzan often grapple with these themes, reinterpreting the character for contemporary audiences.

In conclusion, the story of Tarzan is largely a myth. While it draws on some real-life elements – such as the existence of feral children and the dangers of the jungle – the idea that a human could be raised by apes and become the “King of the Jungle” is pure fiction. The story is a product of its time, reflecting the imaginations and attitudes of early 20th-century society.

However, that doesn’t diminish the power of the Tarzan story. It remains a beloved and enduring tale, capturing the imaginations of generations of readers and viewers. While it may not be based on reality, Tarzan’s story continues to inspire and entertain, reminding us of the enduring appeal of adventure and the wild unknown.